About Caresse Jackman

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- West Point residents are celebrating Thanksgiving a little early. Plates filled with green beans, chicken, stuffing and countless desserts were served to hundreds of people at Third Mt. Olive Church’s 9th Annual Thanksgiving Community Feast.

“We are sending out plates all over West Point. We are feeding the homeless, the sick and the shut in and we are feeding the elders. We fed 1,700 people last year. This year we prepared for 2,000 people,” said Prayer Warrior Leader Alma Brown.

Church leaders provided tons of food, guidance and fellowship to the needy. Pauleen Gardner, 89, has been a church member for 50 years and never misses helping out.

“Oh Lord! It means so much to me, I just thank God! I can’t get up and get down here fast enough! Especially when it comes to cooking like this you know honey,” said Gardner.

All of the food is homemade. Pauleen especially loves seeing the looks on people’s faces when the church delivers.

“Some of them just smile and are so happy to see you come in and bring them a meal. And it’s a blessing for us, to be able to give them a meal. Heck, especially when you get old like me!” said Gardner.

Those who come every year are thankful for the church’s gratitude.

” I think it’s just a wonderful thing they’re doing in the community,” said West Point resident Larry Ashford.

“There’s a lot of people that can’t get a meal and a lot of people don’t get a chance to eat this kind of food during this time of the year. And it does our heart some good to be able to see them enjoy this,” said Church member Delois Conway.

Volunteers from the fire department to local banks also chipped in and served.

” It’s just a pleasure to be here and be a part of it. You know, it’s a good feeling just being able to serve and be a servant to the people,” said Bank First worker Linda Hannah.

“Without the people of this community there is no bank and that’s what we are at Cadence Bank. We’re a community bank serving people and serving our customers and this is just a token of our appreciation and how we can give back to them,” said Cadence Bank worker Sherman Berry.

Following their meals, Third Mt. Olive also held a church service for those who ate.